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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Don't Be Afraid to Eat Your Veggies, Part I

Some vegetables have gotten a bad rap recently. With all the low-carb diets out there the past few years, certain veggies have become unpopular. Well, these vegetables deserve a better reputation then they are getting.

One of the veggies that has gotten on the hit list of veggies is good old-fashioned White Potatoes. White potatoes have the myth attached to them that they can make you fat. When in fact, one medium baked potato has only 161 calories, plus 4 g of filling fiber. If you keep portions sizes in check and eat the fiber rich skin (which most people don't, but should) potatoes can make a satisfying, low-cal, nutrient-rich side dish. And recent studies have also found white potatoes can be benificial in fighting heart disease, lung and prostate disease, and can help lower your blood pressure.

Another vegetable not getting the credit it deserves is Iceberg lettuce. The myth is that Iceberg lettuce has no nutrients. The fact is Iceberg lettuce has plenty of good for you compounds. Only one cup of shredded iceberg lettuce will give you 20% of your daily dose of vitamin K. Iceberg lettuce is also a good source of vitamin A, which is good for your vision. Iceberg lettuce is also a great base for salads, and anything to keep you eating healthy salads, can't be bad for you!

So don't be afraid to eat these veggies, and serve them to your family! Next in part two I'll look at carrots, celery and corn! Stay tuned.